DeLauro issued a press release right before Netanyahu's address outlining her reasons for skipping the event. She said she was conflicted: "I am a strong supporter of Israel, understand its unique security needs, have traveled to Israel over many years, have a special bond with Connecticut’s Jewish community, and I have always supported bipartisan efforts to achieve the highest level of sanctions against Iran and its nuclear ambitions."

But DeLauro said she ultimately concluded that House Speaker John Boehner's invitation to Netanyahu was a political ploy that showed disrespect to President Obama.

"This partisan invitation by the Republican leaders of Congress who oppose the negotiations is meant to undermine the negotiations that I support, is disrespectful of the President of the United States and, worst of all, leaves America’s relations with Israel stuck in the same polarized, partisan mud that keeps us from doing the right thing in so many areas,'' she said. "That is deeply harmful to Israel. So I felt it is wrong to attend the address that is part of Speaker Boehner’s partisan game plan and part of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s campaign plan in Israel."

Esty said she attended the speech out of respect for the strong relationship Israel has with the U.S., even though she believes "the timing and politicization of Speaker Boehner’s invitation—particularly this close to Israel’s elections—was a serious mistake."

Courtney expressed a similar view. "I attended today’s Joint Address by Prime Minister Netanyahu, because my unyielding support for the partnership between the United States and the State of Israel trumps the misguided, partisan process which led to today’s speech,'' he said in a statement. "Nonetheless, the friendship and alliance between the United States and Israel transcends political parties and partisan political gamesmanship.''

While many Democrats expressed reservations about attending the speech, a once prominent member of the party had no qualms: